New Rocket 3 owner, need some pointers for mods

smither_me_timbers · Jan 16, 2019

bigprop said:
Hi and welcome from the UK.Shame you can't get some riding in before the mods which will make you smile and then just as you thought it couldn't get any better next level.Enjoy the ride it's life time guaranteed

oh I plan on breaking it in without modifying for a while. Just want to get pricing ideas and inspiration!

smither_me_timbers · Jan 16, 2019

barbagris said:
Welcome from Spain.

Before doing the typical M/C rider thing and attacking the engine - Sort the ruddy suspension and (if you ride much at night) the inadequate headlights. That'll hurt your wallet for a while. Also save some pennies for new tyres - because the originals won't last long.

Changing exhausts and filters WILL require modifying the ECU. We all take it a bit for granted as it's part of the life on here.
But realise you will need either a Dyno expert or a Power Commander with Autotune or similar. Just saying!.

What avenue would you recommend for headlights? It seems that JW Speaker are the best, however I’m open to any other suggestions you may have!

smither_me_timbers · Jan 16, 2019

CrzystghndKC said:
Any relation?

Not to my knowledge but I may have to go on Ancestry.com and find out to see if I can get a family discount!

smither_me_timbers · Jan 16, 2019

1olbull said:
WELCOME to ya, from WA State!
Listen to @barbagris.
Break your new motor in first and address the needed handling improvements first.

Your headlights are dangerous and should be replaced first thing.
The OEM shockies suck! Recommend that for #2.
The Metzeler tires also royally suck! B-stone Exedra Max rear is a must for #3.
A smaller front tire will improve handling-140/78R17 or even better, a Michelin Road 5 rear in 150/70ZR17 run reverse.
This is a good start . . . To begin with. . .

Thank you for the suggestions! What would you recommend for replacing the headlights? It seems the actual housings by triumph aren’t very good, so what are some other options?

barbagris · Jan 16, 2019

smither_me_timbers said:
What avenue would you recommend for headlights? It seems that JW Speaker are the best, however I’m open to any other suggestions you may have!

The BEST and (sadly) very EXPENSIVE option is to fit a pair of JW-Speaker adaptive technology lights. They are really outstanding in curves.

I have a pair of the very first edition fitted. Steve (aka @1olbull ) has upgraded now to the GEN2.
Once you have ridden adaptive - it will spoil the choice of using ANYTHING ELSE at night. Really.

I have read there are some Chinese copies of the adaptive, but have yet to see any info.

If you do not ride much at night or hardly ever hit curves - then there are loads of options.

The Triumph chrome shell bits are fine really. Basic chrome 5&3/4" cups laid over at 90°
I did look for a replacement but I don't have the sort of Harley Chrome Bits access you guys have.

It's the headlight innards that are SH1T POOR. The Reflectors are plastic - poorly designed and poorly mirrored.
The mirroring will eventually burn off and the plastic goes fragile.

The JWS will drop straight in - though you will need to cobble up some wiring to connect the position light.

Starmanut · Jan 16, 2019

I do not ride at night. All I did was replace the stock bulbs with LED's. Both the headlight and the two fog/driving lights. I even replaced the "parking" bulb inside the headlight shell with an easy to find license plate LED bulb. Not that I recommend it, but for daytime it does make a difference. (Replaced the rear/brake too, but I did not want the hassle of messing with the turn signals, I heard LED's mess with the blink timing).

Just my two cents.
BTW I installed the Eastern Beaver Relay set at the same time. Previous owner had some burned out wires under the tank and I did not want to take any chances of it overloading again.

1olbull · Jan 16, 2019

smither_me_timbers said:
Thank you for the suggestions! What would you recommend for replacing the headlights? It seems the actual housings by triumph aren’t very good, so what are some other options?

Housings are fine, tis the adjustment system that sux.
THE best available are the JW Speaker Adaptive 2.
Not cheap, but you get what you pay for.
The JW Speaker Daymakers (sold through Harley) are the best less spendy option.

IMFASTTOO · Jan 16, 2019

barbagris said:
The BEST and (sadly) very EXPENSIVE option is to fit a pair of JW-Speaker adaptive technology lights. They are really outstanding in curves.

I have a pair of the very first edition fitted. Steve (aka @1olbull ) has upgraded now to the GEN2.
Once you have ridden adaptive - it will spoil the choice of using ANYTHING ELSE at night. Really.

I have read there are some Chinese copies of the adaptive, but have yet to see any info.

If you do not ride much at night or hardly ever hit curves - then there are loads of options.

The Triumph chrome shell bits are fine really. Basic chrome 5&3/4" cups laid over at 90°
I did look for a replacement but I don't have the sort of Harley Chrome Bits access you guys have.

It's the headlight innards that are SH1T POOR. The Reflectors are plastic - poorly designed and poorly mirrored.
The mirroring will eventually burn off and the plastic goes fragile.

The JWS will drop straight in - though you will need to cobble up some wiring to connect the position light.

VERY good results with the headlights and not expensive are the LED replacements they are available on amazon etc VERY bright and give total road coverage work great and nothing wrong with the stock reflecters mine give total road coverage even in turns after they are properly adjusted and cost less than $40 no need to break the bank they are AWSOME STEEL is using them also and is very happy with the results I have them in both ROCKETS

1olbull · Jan 16, 2019

IMFASTTOO said:
VERY good results with the headlights and not expensive are the LED replacements they are available on amazon etc VERY bright and give total road coverage work great and nothing wrong with the stock reflecters mine give total road coverage even in turns after they are properly adjusted and cost less than $40 no need to break the bank they are AWSOME STEEL is using them also and is very happy with the results I have them in both ROCKETS

Incorrect info, Art.
Those supposed LED replacemrnts are junk and test out very weak compared to the REAL thing.
Your old eyes (or anyones eyes) can no way judge the effective visual distance of any headlight.
Please, for the sake of our brother riders, do not speak of, or judge things of which you actually have no expertise!

1olbull · Jan 16, 2019

IMFASTTOO said:
NO your incorrect my friend STEEL and I are very happy with our lighting using the LED rplacements and we have a friend using the JW SPEAKERS and have compared them we are very happy with ours and wouldnt change to those overpriced JWs we are more than satisfied with ours

That there, what you think makes you happy, has no bearing in actual fact or whether your inexpensive replacement bulbs are really as good or better than a designed LED light.
You should consider identifying your personal "decrees" as just your own opinion, because they really are not based in science.
BTW, when did you start speaking for Scott?

I also can produce test results proving what I state, not merely my opinion offered as fact.

New Rocket 3 owner, need some pointers for mods

smither_me_timbers

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smither_me_timbers

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smither_me_timbers

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barbagris

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Starmanut

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1olbull

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IMFASTTOO

Living Legend

1olbull

Riding Motor Since 1950

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